AAP refutes charges of nepotism over selection of DCW chief

New Delhi: Under attack for selection of Swati Maliwal, wife of AAP leader Navin Jaihind, as the Delhi Commission for Women's (DCW) chief, the party today refuted the charges of 'nepotism' while Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal rubbished the Opposition claim that she was related to him.

Sources in the Delhi government said Maliwal's appointment order will soon be issued and the DCW will be reconstituted. The current DCW chief Barkha Singh's tenure is due to end this week. Maliwal (30) has been associated with the AAP chief since India Against Corruption (IAC) days. Married to Jaihind, a key party leader from Haryana and a known Kejriwal loyalist, she currently works as an adviser to Delhi Chief Minister on public grievances and handles his Janta Samwad.

"Government will issue notification regarding the appointment of Swati as new DCW chief within three days. will be reconstituted. Other members of the Commission will also be appointed. Government is now considering few names for members of DCW," said a senior official. When contacted, Maliwal refused to comment on the issue. A source close to her informed she will react only after the notification is out.

The opposition was aggressive over Maliwal's selection terming it as 'nepotism' while the AAP maintained that her selection was done purely on 'merit'.